​Spanish
Minister of Defence, María Dolores de Cospedal, is visiting Australia until 6
June with the aim to strengthen the ties between Spain and Australia in terms
of defence cooperation.

The
Minister has visited and sailed on board of the Spanish frigate “Cristobal
Colón” that is currently deployed in Australia, working as the perfect training
platform for the Royal Australian Navy forces, that will later serve on board of
the Spanish built Hobart Class destroyers.

Minister
Cospedal will hold working meetings both with the Minister for Defence
Industry, Chistropher Pyne, and with the Minister of Defence, Marise Payne.

Spain and
Australia bilateral relations in terms of security, defence and defence
industries are deep and fluent; both countries having signed bilateral
agreements and their respective navies carrying out joint naval exercises.